THE Yorkshire Bank in Ashby High Street, Scunthorpe, is to close as part of a £25 million restructuring plan.

Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks revealed Ashby was among 28 branches – said to be unsustainable – due to be closed this year.

The relocation of the Ashby branch and its staff to the existing Scunthorpe High Street business has yet to be confirmed.

The company’s chief executive David Thorburn said: “No branch closure is welcomed by customers or staff, I understand that, which is why we are working to minimise the effects these changes have on them.”

But Unite, Britain’s biggest trade union, has accused the bankers of turning their backs on communities like Ashby.

National officer Rob Macgregor said: “The bank is cutting costs and eroding community banking which we believe leaves customers with less choice.”

Not good news for the older customers but with cash machines and online banking this is the way many more will go. I moved to the Co-op Bank before all the problems, it does not seem any better than any other bank but customers can go into Post Office to draw cash, pay in cash with your card and post cheques with slip and envelope provided getting a receipt from Post office, handy for older people that don't like machines. Maybe more banks and BS's should consider this option. They could consider shared counter service shared by several banks with a cubicle each, much cheaper to run.

Good Riddance! I've been banking there for 35 years and the service has deteriorated since they cut the service counters to 2. I for one, will be closing my account with YB and going with one of their competitors. Banks have become too greedy, forgetting who earns them their bread and butter. I feel most sorry for the older folk who used it, especially on Market Day.